Russian authorities have placed Conor Kennedy on an international wanted list ordering his arrest in absentia. Moscow’s Basmanny District Court ruled to approve the order accusing the 32-year-old American of acting as a mercenary while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.
Russian state media reports that he could face between seven and ten years in prison if captured.
Secret mission to the front line
The legal action stems from Kennedy’s service in 2022 with Ukraine’s International Legion. Kennedy kept his deployment secret from family and friends. Explaining his decision in an October 2022 social media post, he shared:
“Like many people, I was deeply moved by what I saw happening in Ukraine over the past year. I wanted to help.” He added, “I didn’t want my family or friends to worry and I didn’t want to be treated differently there.”
Family and high-profile ties
Kennedy is the son of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a grand-nephew of former President John F. Kennedy. He also previously made headlines in 2012 for dating pop star Taylor Swift.
His father later revealed that after learning of the trip, Conor told him, “Dad, this is what you taught me to do: to stand up for what I believe in.”
Current status in the United States
Kennedy spent about two and a half months fighting on the northeastern front before returning to the U.S. He finished his legal studies at Georgetown University and currently works as an associate attorney in Los Angeles.
Because the warrant remains an in-absentia proceeding, he is only at risk of conviction if apprehended by Russian authorities.
